Since then, he has worked tirelessly to introduce more activities into the charity’s programme, including a whole range of sports for both young and older people.

Mr Conlin, 66, who lives in The Hawthorns, Charvil, was nominated by former colleague Vickie Randall, who said: “Tom has managed the charity over recent years which continues to reach some of the most vulnerable people with sight loss in Berkshire.

“He is keen to ensure that the charity continues to support local people of all ages for generations to come.”

Mr Conlin said: “It feels great that Vickie felt so strongly to nominate me for the award. I have worked with her on a number of occasions and it is nice to know that she thinks so highly of our work.

“Since taking on the role I have worked hard to get more visually impaired people in Berkshire involved in sporting activities.

“We now have a very successful blind cricket team, blind football, blind bowling, even blind go-karting which really is a spectacle to behold.

“It is so nice to see the older people interacting with youngsters, especially in the bowling sessions.

“It boosts the youngsters’ self-esteem to be involved in a sport, and the older people, who have possibly lost their sight gradually through age, enjoy passing their knowledge and experience down to a new generation.

“There has been a lot more interest in blind sports since the Paralympics in 2012 and we are keen to build on that legacy and get more schools and organisations involved.

“What we are working on at the moment is getting schools to hold blind sports days, where their able-bodied students wear blindfolds to experience what it is like to participate in a sport when you can’t see.

“It gives them a better understanding, and makes those with a visual impairment more comfortable with their condition.”

Mr Conlin, who is a regular blood-donor, having given his 86th pint hours before speaking with getreading, added: “Being nominated is such an honour, if I win or not doesn’t really matter.”